Young Life is a Christian ministry that reaches out to middle school, high school, and college students to help them build relationships and explore their spirituality. Their mission statement is “Life to the full — introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.” St. Thomas High School works closely with Heights Young Life TX341, hosting weekly meetings on Mondays at 7:13pm for 10th-12th graders.

“Young Life was founded on the idea of building relationships and going on adventures,” Rachel Andrade, Heights Young Life Area Director said. “Young Life meets kids where they are, introduces them to Jesus Christ, and helps them grow in their faith.”

The Monday meetings always include dinner and often a game or activity, like kickball. Each meeting encourages conversations with Young Life college mentors, all of whom attend University of Houston and are involved in the organization there. These mentors act as emotional and spiritual support systems for the high school students. Beyond attending the Monday night meetings, the college ambassadors will also join St. Thomas students at lunch and offer holistic guidance throughout their high school journey.

“These volunteers are choosing to serve the Lord and serve these kids,” Andrade said. “As a parent, there’s only so much my kids will listen to me about, but coming from a Young Life leader, it all sounds cool. It’s so nice having that support system.”

At the second meeting on Sept. 16, students wore sports jerseys and enjoyed each other’s company with games and conversation.

Beyond the larger Monday night meetings are the small group options, which meet on Mondays after club (open to boys and girls), Wednesdays (girls) and Thursdays (boys). The small groups offer a more personalized experience, with curated Bible studies and more time with Young Life leaders.

Young Life meetings are open to any student at St. Thomas, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Incarnate Word Academy, and St. Agnes Academy. Those interested in joining can follow the chapter on Instagram @heightsylonthebayou or email Andrade at rachel@heights.younglife.org. For more information on how Young Life can serve those of Catholic faith, reference the Young Life Catholic Relations website here.

To join the Monday night meetings, 10th-12th grade students in can simply show up, no registration or sign-ups needed.

“I love seeing them let all of their stressors go and be kids for the hour that they’re at Young Life on Monday nights,” Andrade said. “It means so much to just remind them that God cares about them and their lives and that they’re known and loved.”

Article by Sarah Jane Lasley